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Left wing Taylor Pyatt, a first-round draft pick in 1999, signed a three-year contract with the Islanders yesterday.

The 19-year old Pyatt, who was the No. 8 overall selection, had 40 goals and 49 assists in 68 games for Sudbury of the OHL last season. Islander GM Mike Milbury said he hopes the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Pyatt becomes a power forward.

“We know we want him to be a contributor offensively,” Milbury said.

Pyatt, whose father, Nelson, played seven seasons in the NHL in the ’70s, said he plans to make the club this season, instead of going to the minors.

“I’m going to training camp with the expectations I would make the team,” he said. “I’m looking forward to making the jump to the NHL.”

With the extensive additions to the roster during the summer, Milbury said he thinks the Isles will be battling to make the playoffs, which they haven’t done in six seasons.

“We think we have the potential to make it,” he said. “We suffered for a long time and the future is indeed very bright.”